CONWAY — Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre will host its annual “Bard Ball” in Argenta Community Theater in North Little Rock on Saturday, March 9 from 7-11 p.m.

AST returns to its wildly popular “Taming of the Brew” theme, transforming the space into a lantern-filled beer garden, offering an evening of beer-tasting, hearty appetizers, and revelry. Gilbert Baker will serve as master of ceremonies, with live music provided by Garland Recital, an eclectic folk and rock group that features several local musicians who have played in several music venues in Central Arkansas.

The night will not only celebrate the Bard but also exceptional local brews, as representatives from Marshall Brewing Company, Vino’s and Diamond Bear, 107 Liquor, and other local brewers will be on hand to discuss the beers available for tasting. Wine and beer will flow from the bar, and Starving Artist Café will provide delicious fare. Silent and live auction items will be on the block to support live professional theater in Arkansas. Live auction items include a fall foliage tour in a private plane, a trip to the American Shakespeare Center in Staunton, Va., and cameo appearances in AST’s upcoming summer season. A special “sneak preview” of the upcoming season will be performed by AST favorites Paige Reynolds and Jordy Neill.

AST will open its seventh season June 6on the Hendrix Village Green in Conway with Much Ado About Nothing. Chicago actor Ron Thomas and Little Rock-based actress Heather Dupree, who both starred in last summer’s Twelfth Night, will take on the roles of Benedict and Beatrice, respectively, in Much Ado About Nothing.

Other productions will include King Lear (starring Chicago actor Henson Keys as Lear), a children’s version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream (“Bottom’s Dream”), and the musical Oliver!, directed by DJ Salisbury and featuring New York actor Warren Kelly as Fagin.

All productions except Much AdoAbout Nothing will be performed and produced in Reynolds Performance Hall, AST’s home on the University of Central Arkansas campus. Much Ado About Nothing will also be performed outdoors in the Argenta Arts District June 21-22 in North Little Rock. The season will close on June 30 with a matinee performance of King Lear in Reynolds.

Subscriptions for the season will go on sale April 1. Single tickets for any show may be purchased online or by phone starting May 1.